Heya everyone! Here goes the next update! :D :D

25 Chapters and the journey has been worth it, so far. It's just a tiny step for doing something big in my life and promise to only improve. The FF may end within a few months but I'll definitely cherish it forever. 3 3

Happy Reading! :D :D

Chapter-25

Ranveer slowly stirred, disturbed from his sleep as his eyes laid upon Ishani and his condition; his hands encircled around her waist securely and hers over his bare chest. He blinked in rapid succession as he saw Ishani once again; her blouse's buttons opened and her cleavage bare. He quickly let go off her hand from his chest and sprung out from the bed as he felt his head heavy, heavier than usual. He felt as though someone had hit him hard on his head, a spasm of pain hitting him. He felt the nausea overcome him as he opened his eyes fully this time to see a clear picture of what was happening.

"Shit!" he sat down helpless, trying to recollect whatever happened the earlier night. His hand was constantly scrubbing his head and temple, trying to remember the things he had failed to recall. A few minutes later, his eyes met the clock, feeling dejected as he saw the time. It was 3.30 in the evening already and the inauguration was in another two and half hours. Although he was feeling gloomy after what he had just seen, he was glad that he remembered about the inauguration today.

"Crap!" he got up from the floor, slapping himself hard as he slowly trod towards the bed again, roofing Ishani with the blanket, making sure that none of her body parts are exposed. He quickly turned to the phone and ordered their brunch and coffee and took his toiletries, slithering to the cloak room, for his bath.

He came out from his bath after fifteen minutes as he set his hair straight for the day, drying them quickly as he wore his new white linen shirt along with his tuxedo, the tie tightly fixed after a poor start with it. He wore his black trousers and his shoes before he looked to the mirror once again. It was four and the doorbell rang for the second time. He walked shadily to the main door as he allowed the steward inside before he realized, "Hey, do-don't come in!"

"But sir, let me serve you the supper," he smiled and advanced as Ranveer now pushed him, thankfully not forcedly as the latter looked at him confused. Gawking at him in a sinister way he shouted, "Don't you dare come inside, I warn you."

"S-Sorry, sir," he placed the plates on a nearby table and ran from the place fearing for his life as Ranveer looked at the wall blankly, lifeless and numb. He didn't know what was beautiful with the wall. He took the plates silently and sat on the couch with them, looking at the sleeping Ishani.

"What did I do? Why am I not remembering anything and why is my head badly aching?" he massaged his head well for the next twenty minutes when his eyes fell over his almost torn sweatshirt. Grabbing it swiftly, he smelled it to inhale alcohol as he finally realized that they had got tanked-up the last night. Throwing it back to the bed, he roamed in tension saying, "Oh shit, shit! No, no, no!" he shouted as Ishani stirred and got up clumsily, calling for Ranveer's name, her voice stifled.

"Hey, why are you shouting?" she got up as her blouse now completely wore off, her upper form already exposed. Quickly turning away from her in reflex, he silently walked over to the baggage to take the lemon juice which he had bought in the airport. He decided to give some to her though he didn't know how far this was going to work.

"I-Ishani, have this," his eyes never met hers as he gave her the lemon juice as soon as she asked, "Why aren't you looking at me?" Little did she realize about her blouse being damaged and not in place.

He moved away without saying a word as Ishani now looked around the bed to see his sweatshirt torn uselessly and her blouse just on her lap.

"Yikes!" she screamed covering her with the same blouse as she quickly dressed herself with the blouse, tying her hair to a messy bun. Her face was almost pale now, anyone would say as she stuttered, "Wh-What's wrong, Ranveer? The head hurts, too!"

"Now, now, go take your bath first; we'll talk about it later. We're getting late. There's less than two hours for us to go to the ceremony."

"Cere-Wha? Oh fish! I forgot!" she sprung from her bed as Ranveer now noticed her pantaloons being safe on her waist as he heaved a huge sigh of relief, having the first bite of his sandwich, the bread blocking in his throat, in fear and shame. God, how was he going to face her now?

She came out from the wash after twenty minutes, dressed up in formals; a frilled skirt and formal shirt as she dried her hair with a doubt that Ranveer noticed. He was easily able to make out that she wasn't in her ebullient mood today, though her face was shimmering in the light. Quietly sitting over the opposite side of the couch, he noticed her neck having scores just like his back as he coughed slowly, trying to start the conversation before Ishani did.

"Good morning," she flushed in embarrassment as he gave her an awkward smile, "It's almost evening, Ishani."

"Is it?" she looked at the clock and gasped as yes, it was. She gulped and had her food rashly, without meeting his gaze as he slowly touched her hand, hoping to start the conversation before Ishani shoo his hands away, angling her position.

"Okay, I won't touch you. But I need to clarify things before we leave," he started as she cut him short, "What?"

"Did you just see the bed and the torn dresses? It smells alcohol," he muttered, "Ishani, I don't even remember anything! Trust me, it was not intentional. I remember both of us talking about the book and then going to the carnival. And then, we got tanked-up! The things after that remain hazy till now. I don't remember anything!" Tears welled up in the junction of his eyes as they gushed down in rapidity, closing his face in shame. Ishani gave him a shocked look before she had another bite from her plate.

"Now, wait! Why are you getting tensed? I know what happened was unknown for both of us and its okay, I did not take it seriously," she spoke with her mouth full as she got up from her seat, sitting beside him.

"No, I am such an idiot! What did I do!" he cried abashed as Ishani put her arm over his neck whispering, "Oh c'mon Ranveer. Don't be afraid. You never did anything wrong, chuck it! Tell me about your preparations for the function."

"It's done, Ishani. Not to worry," he smiled with his tears as she asked him, "Ready for the speech?"

"Uh, I guess," he replied in fear as she looked at him bemused, "Hey, what's wrong?"

"I am, am afraid about the speech, Ishani. What if I spoil the show? I cannot face the huge crowd."

"Oh c'mon! Don't think pessimistic! Everything will go good."

"Are you sure?"

"Do you trust me?"

"Hey Gasper!" Ranveer extended his hand towards his much smaller one as they pulled in for a hug, wishing the best of luck to both of them. Ishani on the other hand, went towards the staff and helped them out with the cutlery and other arrangements as there are going to around 200 guests from the entire hospitality clan and Ranveer wished that everything should be perfect.

"What about the food arrangements?" Ranveer asked, turning around to look at the rest of the arrangements.

"Yes sir, it is. You may check on the kitchen if you want to be assured. I'll check with the technicians, meanwhile."

"Yes, I'll better do that," Ranveer mumbled as forwarded to move when Gasper interrupted, "Sir what about the speech? When are you planning to deliver?"

"Uh, well…that should be the last. Let the dignitaries and Dawson finish theirs."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, very much," he quickly slid to the scullery as he saw massive containers having a colossal range of food from different cuisines. He inspected the kitchen and tasted the aroma as he heard the chefs greet him.

"Good evening, folks," he clasped his hands and continued, "it's our day and we guys should put our best. Did you guys do your part?"

"Yes," the answer came unanimous from all the ends of the kitchen as he gave them a confident smile in return.

"Okay. So see you guys at the hall," he ended and walked to the exit of the room as he checked the time. There were still twenty minutes more for the inaugural ceremony to begin and he couldn't help but stay tensed. It was after all his first big project. Twenty strides later, he saw himself inside the hall where the ceremony is set to happen as his gaze directly met Ishani's who was busy supervising the final few arrangements. He slowly jogged reaching out to Ishani as he asked, "Everything done?"

"Yes, they are perfect."

Making sure that no one saw them, he quickly asked, "Can you come over to the other side for a minute?"

"Why?"

"Ishani, please. I need to ask you something," he pleaded as they walked over to the corner of the room, making sure that no one saw them.

"Tell me, what do you wanna ask?" she asked bolt upright as he gently clasped her hands into his and looked into her gaze. Ishani noticed that his eyes were welled up, and red as soon as she asked him, her voice concerned, "Why are your eyes red? Hey, don't cry! If it is going to be about last night's mess, I am telling you, I never took anything serious!"

"Nah, it's not about that. It's just that I am afraid to take the stage. I don't think I can-"

"Ranveer, stop this! When did you become so low? And for what reason are you being afraid now?" her grip over his hands grew stronger as he mumbled, "I don't know. There are about 200 guests and I think I am going to stumble and make the show a flop." His head drooped, tears flowing through his cheeks as he knelt down, his feet feeling wobbled.

Looking at him baffled but she knelt back, embracing his hands once again softly before she let her other hand touch his face.

"Look at me."

He looked at her with his already rubicund eyes as she whispered softly, "You are going to give your speech, that is it and trust me, it will turn out to be preeminent," his lips quivered hearing the avowal let out by her as he gave her a bleached smile before she pulled him closer to her for a soft embrace, making him feel hassle-free.

Breaking from the hug after a few minutes, he sniffed, "Are you sure?"

"I don't think you trust me, do you?"

"I do," he replied soulfully as she ruffled his hair lightly, making sure that it wasn't looking bad as the ceremony would be starting in another ten minutes.

"Now go and wash your face. It looks pale and I don't like it," she said endearingly as he got up, making way to the washroom before Ishani called him.

"What?" he asked in air as she ran towards him and kissed his cheek tenderly and whispered to his ear, "All the best." Smiling coyly, she let go off him and stood near the dais, listening to the announcements.

Ranveer now came back from the washroom as he stood beside Gasper tensed as he heard the latter ask, "Sir, would you finish your speech firstly? That would be in order, please."

"Yeah…o-okay, I'll do it." He said as the trumpets blew from a distance, the drums pounding at the beats. The entire hall looked at the entrance as they welcomed the dignitaries for the evening. The restaurant is going to be declared open in a few minutes and Ranveer couldn't wait for his project to be turning out successful, the first step in his individual career.

"Hey, RV. How are you doing?" Dawson let his hand confidently as he gave his hand for a shake, in tension.

"Good, sir," he replied confidently though he was afraid whilst he asked, "How are you, sir?"

"Fit and fine and congratulations, by the way!"

"To you too, sir," he hugged formally as he heard Dawson ask, "What about the stay in our hotel? Good?"

"As always, sir," he smiled and broke from the hug, escorting him to the dais as the others continued to sit, taking their places on the stage as the ceremony started with the introduction of each and every person sitting on the dais.

After half an hour description of each and every individual, the presenter announced, "The Managing Director of the Oakley's resort will now take the podium to say a few words."

Ranveer's eyes directly went to Ishani who lifted her right thumb wishing him a good luck as he gave her a half smile, tensed to which Ishani mimed, "Look at me and then talk. All the best."

Ranveer smiled at her and took over the podium from the presenter as he looked into her eyes before starting to speak. He let out a huge breathe and started, "Good evening, everyone. It is my great pleasure to welcome so many people at this inauguration ceremony of the restaurant at the Pebble Passage of France. I would like to thank you all on behalf of the Oakley's and the Dawson Hospitality. Today, I feel grateful to each one of you present here as this day marks the inauguration of my first venture. I may have regulated and administered the top resort among the Valleys of France but that was established by my father. Melting Pot is my very first venture and I want to thank each one of you for making it a success, especially to Mr. Michael Dawson who agreed to tie up with our company."

He took a deep breathe, his eyes not leaving Ishani's gaze who was looking seemingly tensed as he continued, "I would now like to give a bird's eye view of the restaurant. It has got the cuisines of various countries; from European to Asian to Chinese to Thai to Spanish to Italian. You name it and Melting Pot has it in their carte du jour. It has two kitchens, separate for the vegetarian and the non-vegetarian with a seating capacity of about three hundred people at a single shot. It has a buffet section inside the central wing and a small café outside the restaurant which is named as Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The main wing consists of the variety cuisine and the buffet will have a spread of serving thirty two main course dishes and about twelve desserts. As an inaugural offer, we have brought two big chefs from two different places; one from France and the other from Australia who would be joining the restaurant from the 7th August. It would be a mixture of two cuisines, French and Australian as we would be calling two chefs, Chef Dominique Ansell and Chef Marco Pierre White. They would be joining our restaurant for the next two weeks to savour our guests with the best of all cuisines and collaborations."

He heard everyone clap and rejoice, in elation and cheers in delight as he concluded, "I would like to conclude by dedicating this restaurant for my employees and the one I love." The entire hall looked at him shocked who jeered and sneered, gossiping about the mere mention of the last word as everyone's gaze met Ranveer's once again. He gave them an awkward smile and finished, "Thank you, one and all."

Getting down from the podium in a second, he left the hall silently which wasn't missed by anyone's eyes and Ishani was now again concerned. Why was he so afraid in giving a speech? But she chose not to meet him right now as the programme was yet to be concluded.

It was almost eleven and there was still an hour more for his birthday, Ishani thought and called for his number tensed only to cut the call in disappointment in the next twenty seconds. Fifteen calls and there was no reply from his side. It's been two hours since the function got over and he had not returned back to the room. She looked at the tiny gifts which she had brought for him just for his birthday and called for him once again and she was finally lucky, the sixteenth time.

"Hey, where are you?"

"Sitting simply inside the pantry, why?" his voice was taut, no expression was seen in his façade as she shot the next question, "When are you coming back?"

"Not anytime soon."

"I am leaving then, bye." Ishani was now familiar with his tactics and she knew how to tackle him.

"Where?"

"Back to the Valley, it's boring here," she said truly as he remarked, "No, you cannot leave like that. The flight is at 4 in the evening tomorrow."

"And I cannot wait until then, it's boring, Ranveer! There's no one here!"

"Oh, you are bored, is it?"

"Yeah, okay I am getting late, bye!" she was about to keep his phone back as he interrupted, "Hey wait!"

"What?"

"I'll- well, I am coming, ten minutes," he hung up the call as she flushed. Ranveer was just her own puppy and no one could deny that. She knew that it would be taking another forty to forty five minutes for him to come back and she never minded.

After a fair gap of forty minutes she heard the knock from the door as she ran to open the door before making sure that her room was locked. She was successful in hiding them for the past one day and the next twenty minutes were crucial for her.

She opened the door slowly as she greeted him with her best smile, "Hey! Welcome back!" she scooted him into her arms as he smiled awkwardly, breaking from the hug.

"Why are you looking worn out?"

"I spoiled the show, right?" he asked sans any emotion as she looked at him soberly. Not again, she thought and gently touched him saying, "Who said so?"

"I felt…just felt."

"You were at your best, Ranveer, trust me and please, don't feel low, not at this time!" she bit her lip sadly as he looked at her and whispered smoothly, "Okay."

"I'm off for sleep," he concluded and removed his tuxedo, sliding to the bed as it is when Ishani looked at him confused and asked, "So soon?"

"What do you mean by that? It's 11.50, Ishani, are you even aware?"

"Gosh, he even forgot his birthday, I guess," she bit her lip thinking about it and made up saying, "Oh yeah, that's right, too. Okay. Let's sleep," she took a place near him which made him conscious.

"What's happening with her?" he thought, "I've never seen her so comfortable with me." Moving a few inches away from her she held his shirt asking, "Why are you moving away now?"

"Just…just like that. What about your room?"

"Oh, I am tired, so I thought of sleeping here, why?"

"Nah. Just…just asking, that is it." Ranveer turned aside, showing his back to her as she chuckled softly, making sure that he wasn't hearing. She checked the time as she called his name quietly.

"Hmm."

"Get up!" she squeaked as he got up in fright.

"What?" he asked, yawning softly.

"Come over to my room, now!"

"Why?"

"Watch out for yourself and stop asking questions."

"No, let me sleep, I am tired as Hell already."

"Consider this as my wish, will you fulfil?" she asked yearningly as he got up sluggishly, mumbling in mock anger.

Excited as she was, she led him to the room as he now stood chilled seeing the arrangements which he had never expected in his life.

"Get in," Ishani slowly whispered to his ear, having the ring on her grip as he stood in awe.

Done! Constructive Criticism will be more than welcome and sorry for typos :D :D